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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where do Jordan and Alexandra stop that night?

2. With whom is Jordan in bed at the opening of the book?

3. About what is the Dowager Duchess surprised?

4. Of what is Jordan tired?

5. What is one thing Alexandra believes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mrs. Lawrence think will save her family?

2. What does Jordan's family learn about his whereabouts on the third day of waiting for news?

3. What does Mrs. Lawrence say in reply to Jordan's assertion that he is an honorable man?

4. What does Jordan see when he looks out the window after being in bed with Lady Catherine Harrington?

5. How does Jordan respond after the bandits are no longer a threat?

6. How does Mrs. Lawrence see this episode as an opportunity?

7. Briefly describe the discussion about caterpillars that Alexandra and her grandfather have.

8. What conversation do Mrs. Lawrence and her daughter have about Will Helmsley?

9. What does Alexandra tell Jordan when she is finally able to speak with him?

10. What does Alexandra get on the way to Hawthorne?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Something Wonderful, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Plots are sometimes said to be either character-driven or action-driven. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think Something Wonderful is more character-driven or action-driven? Or balanced between the two? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Something Wonderful ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are at least three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Something Wonderful and if it fulfills some or all of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Something Wonderful is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

4. Would you have wished the ending to be different? Why or why not? Would that have changed what the author wished to convey with the book?

(see the answer keys)

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